Dear Avaazers, This video recorded by Avaaz team members is going viral! It’s a shot of hope and love for 2018 — will you help share it and spread the joy across the world? Watch and share it now: 2017 was a rough year, but wow, is the resistance on fire! We’ve never been prouder of our movement — both Avaaz, and all those we stand with. We’ve stopped the rise of the far-right in several countries, frustrated Trumpism in almost every major accomplishment it sought, opened our hearts to refugees, won major battles to protect our planet, and defeated toxic foes from Monsanto to Rupert Murdoch. The best part is the WAY we’re winning. Not through fear, anger and manipulation, but through love, hope and smarts. We are being the change we wish to see, and building the world we dream of, each step of the way. And we’re doing it, TOGETHER. So bring it on, 2018!!! With gratitude for all you lovely people who made all this happen, and hope for the year to come, Ricken, Emma, Fatima, Alice, Nana, Spyro, Nataliya, Danny and the whole Avaaz team. P.S. If you’re feeling hopeless right now — yes, the threats are real, but if we give up hope where does that leave us? Our grandparents faced far worse with far less — we can’t throw our hands up now. Lots of love to you! And let’s all beware the media we’re reading this year — the far-right and the Russian government have an OBJECTIVE of making engaged citizens like us cynical by spinning stories and lies (especially on Facebook) that destroy hope and trust in democracy, institutions, media and each other. Here’s evidence for that (Guardian). Let’s fight smart for everything we love in 2018!!!

Tell Congress: In a sneak attack on Social Security, Senate Republicans are proposing cuts to the Social Security Administration. This would result in delays in services and an erosion of confidence in the system. We must stop this backdoor attempt to dismantle our Social Security system!   Republicans in Congress aren’t wasting any time. They are launching an immediate attack on Social Security―attempting to dismantle the program. In the new federal budget―being voted on this month―Senate Republicans are proposing a $492 million cut to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is on top of the billions Republicans have already underfunded the SSA this decade. With their ongoing assault on SSA’s funding, Republicans are making it increasingly difficult for the American people to access the benefits that we’ve earned with every paycheck. We must stop this backdoor attack on Social Security! Sign the petition! Demand that Congress fully fund the Social Security Administration in the upcoming federal budget. Years of cuts to SSA’s funding have resulted in direct cuts to service, including: Longer wait times at Social Security offices; Long hold times when you call Social Security; Delays in millions of retirement, survivor and disability claims. The additional half billion dollar cut proposed by Republicans would force huge additional service cuts―a step towards the GOP’s ultimate goal of dismantling Social Security. Social Security Works is launching a campaign to fight these devastating cuts that will hurt the American people and undermine confidence in the program. And we need your help! Time and again, we have beaten back attempts by Wall Street and Republicans in Congress to cut Social Security. And this backdoor attempt to weaken the system is arguably the most dangerous. By reducing services, Republicans are threatening the future of the entire program. Stand with Social Security Works today and demand Congress fully fund the Social Security Administration’s budget. Together, we’re protecting the most successful social insurance program in U.S. history and telling Washington politicians where the American people stand: Expand, don’t cut, Social Security! Thank you, Michael Phelan Social Security Works

Who We Are Social Security Works leads the fight every day to expand and protect our Social Security system. Become a member today. Social Security Works: The Book From co-founders Nancy Altman & Eric Kingson, this book makes the powerful case that Social Security isn’t going broke and how expanding it will help us all.

 Medicare & Medicaid

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the bill that led to the Medicare and Medicaid. The original Medicare program included Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Today these 2 parts are called “Original Medicare.” Over the years, Congress has made changes to Medicare:

•      More people have become eligible.

For example, in 1972, Medicare was expanded to cover the disabled, people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or kidney transplant, and people 65 or older that select Medicare coverage.

•      More benefits, like prescription drug coverage, have been offered.

At first, Medicaid gave medical insurance to people getting cash assistance. Today, a much larger group is covered:

•      Low-income families
•      Pregnant women
•      People of all ages with disabilities
•      People who need long-term care

States can tailor their Medicaid programs to best serve the people in their state, so there’s a wide variation in the services offered.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefit

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) made the biggest changes to the Medicare in the program in 38 years.  Under the MMA, private health plans approved by Medicare became known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans.”

The MMA also expanded Medicare to include an optional prescription drug benefit, “Part D,” which went into effect in 2006.

Children’s Health Insurance Program

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created in 1997 to give health insurance and preventive care to nearly 11 million, or 1 in 7, uninsured American children.  Many of these children came from uninsured working families that earned too much to be eligible for Medicaid. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have CHIP plans.

Affordable Care Act

The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) brought the Health Insurance Marketplace, a single place where consumers can apply for and enroll in private health insurance plans.  It also made new ways for us to design and test how to pay for and deliver health care.  Medicare and Medicaid have also been better coordinated to make sure people who have Medicare and Medicaid can get quality services.

50th Anniversary – Medicare & Medicaid Event:  50 Years, Millions Of Healthier Lives

This event commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs and includes a panel of experts discussing how Medicare and Medicaid have changed society and the ways in which we can work together to strengthen and improve health care for future generations. Learn more about the 50th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.

Check out these special 50th Anniversary videos:

• 50th Anniversary – Medicare & Medicaid Event: 50 Years, Millions Of Healthier Lives
• 50th Anniversary – Medicare & Medicaid Event
• The Spirit of CMS

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